Dates
Morgan C. Riley, “Mo”, of San Angelo, TX peacefully went to be with Jesus January 30, 2024 at the age of 89.
He was born in Artesia, NM on the joyful day of September 10, 1934 to Ruby Hattie Johnston Riley and Charles Phillip Riley, Sr. Morgan was the sixth of nine siblings who grew up on a farm in Lytle, TX. The many stories of his childhood including barn cats to playing in the fields, told of Morgan’s playful and adventurous spirit. He was always one to joke around and give his loved ones a good laugh.
Morgan’s greatest love in life was for his Lord and Savior, but when Barbara Jean Hardcastle entered his life she became the close second. Morgan and Barbara were married on July 25, 1955 in Palm Beach AFB, Florida. Together they created a legacy of love and marriage their children and grandchildren have been blessed to witness. After 68 years married, Morgan still called Barbara his “girlfriend” with the sweetest admiration.
In 1953, Morgan joined the United States Air Force, serving during the Korean and Cold Wars. As part of the Alaskan Air Command, he was stationed at Mt. Sparrevohn, a remote radar station then later at Palm Beach AFB. He was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1957 becoming a proud American Veteran.
Morgan had a love for learning, always proud of his high school alma mater, The Lytle Pirates, and upon his discharge from the Air Force he continued his education at Southwest Texas State College in San Marcos, TX. After “cramming four years of college into three”, he graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.
Morgan briefly taught English to migrant students in South Texas. He then began a long career in the Texas University system as a book store manager at Southwest Texas State, Midwestern State, and in 1967, came to Angelo State University from which he retired in 1993. After his retirement, he worked along side his boss, wife Barbara, at Olio Inc., until their retirement in 2005, when they began building memories through world travel.
Because of his lifelong love of football, Morgan officiated games from junior high to college level for nearly 30 years and was selected to officiate the 1990 Texas High School All Star Football Game. He served in the roles of Secretary and President of the San Angelo SFOA.
Morgan’s greatest passions in life were his faith and family. As a member of Southland Baptist Church, he served many years as a Deacon and on numerous committees. Sharing his faith went beyond serving in his church. His gentle, patient, and loving character represented that of Jesus. He was devoted to daily Bible study, fellowship with others, and the teaching and mentoring of those who knew him.
In the legacy of their marriage, Morgan and Barbara were blessed with their children Mark (Cindy) Riley and Robin (Terry) Bahlman. Grandchildren, Cooper (Whitney) Riley, and Julie (Clint) Halfmann; Cody (Kenna) Bahlman, Katy (Ryan) Woodruff, and Ryan Bahlman, and 14 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Friday, February 2nd from 5:00 to 7:00pm at Southland Baptist Church Multi-Purpose Center. Funeral service will be held Saturday, February 3rd at 1:00pm at Southland Baptist Church followed by burial at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are being handled through Harper Funeral Home in San Angelo. TX.
In lieu of flowers & in the giving spirit of Morgan please consider a donation to your favorite charity.